Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-10-26
q Serial Stprg.
THE NINE OF HEARTS.
BY B. L. FARJEON.
PART THE FIRST.
THE TRIAL OF EDWARD LAYTON.
CHAPTER I.
A STRANGE DECISION.

trial of Edward Layton for the willfu
murder of his wife, Agnes Layton, on the
morning of the 26th of March, by the ad-
ministration of poisonous narcotics in such
quantities as to produce death. ExtraOr-
binary as was the excitement caused by
yesterdays proceedings, the public inter
est in this mysterious murder was intensl-
fed by the strange decision arrived at by
the prisoner ON this the third day Of his
ss4lS1i
The attorney general, Mr.. J. Protheroe,
@. c., and Mr.. Standing conducted the
case on behalf of the crown.
The widely spread rumor that an cpl
sodc Of o startling character was impend-
ing received confirmation Immediately
upon the entrance Of the prisoner in the
dock. He presented q careworn appear
ance, and while the usual formalities were
In progress it was observed that he and his
counsel (Mr. Bainbridge, @. C.) were in
earnest consultation, and 1t appeared as II
the learned gentleman was endeavOring to
overcome some resolution which the pris-
oner had formed. At the termination OF
this conversation Mr.. Bainbridge, turning
to the bench, said:
sI have to claim your lordship's in
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necessary to make. It Is in the remem-
brance of your lordship that on the first
day of this trial the prisoner was unde-
Tended, being, as it appears, resolutely de-
termined to defend himself. Yesterday
morning-that is, upon the second day of
the trial. informed your lordship that
the prisoner had been prevailed upon by
his friends to intrust his defense to me.
Being satisfied in my own mind that
nothing would occur to disturb this ar
rangement-whichI venture to say was
an advisable one-I did not feel called
upon to mention that the prisoners con-
sent to accept legal aid was very reluct-
antly given. That this was so, however,
Is proved by what has since transpired.
Both in writing and by word of mouth
the prisoner now insists upon conducting
his own case, and has distinctly informed
me that he will not permit me to act for
him. I am empowered to say that his de-
cision is not in any sense personal to my
self. 1t is simply, and regrettably, that
he has resolved not to be defended or
represented by counsel In these circum-
stances I have no option but to place my
self in your lordship's hands.
Prisoner-My lord
Mr.. Justice Kenmore. Your
counsel will speak for you.
Prisoner-My lord, have no counsel
am defending myself, and no person
shall speak for me.
Mr.. Justice Fenmore-Prisoner at the
bar, it is my duty to tell you that the de-
cision at which you have arrived is grave
and unwise.
Prisoner-Of that, my lord, am the
best Judge.
Mr.. Justice Fenmore-You may not be.
It is scarcely necessary for me to point
out to you, man Of intelligence and good
education, that there are points in every
case, ,and especially in case so momentous
as this, which an unjudicial, or, to speak
more correctly, mind not legally trained,
Is almost certain to overlook.
Prisoner-I understand your lordship,
and thank you; but if my acquittal OF
the terrible crime for which am now be-
ing tried is to be brought about by legal
technicalities, shall prefer not to owe my
release to those means. /, better than any
man here-unless, indeed, the actual muir
derer be present-know whether am in
nocent or guilty, and in the course have
determined to pursue am acting in what
! UcueSe W Uc luy UcSG 1uVclCoeo. 4Ouh
lordship has referred to me as man Of
intelligence and good education. These
qualifications will sufficiently serve me,
but do not rely upon them alone. I have
really had some sort of legal training, and
as I assuredly know that shall conduct
my own defense in a manner which will
recommend itself to my heart and my
conscience, so do I believe that, if I choose
to exercise it-and suppose most men in
my position would so choose-I have legal
knowledge sufficient for my needs. The
learned counsel who has addressed your
lordship has put the matter most fairly.
My consent that he should defend me was
reluctantly given, and reserved to myself
the right to withdraw it. He has men
toned that this withdrawal Is not personal
to himself. 1t is true. To him, above all
others, would intrust my defense, were
it not that have. cogent and imperative
reasons for trusting no man. shall not
displease one so earnest and high minded
as he when state that he once gave me
his friendship, and that felt honored by
it. Your lordship will pardon me for this
statement, tho admission of which I feel
to be unusual in such case. have
made it only for the purpose of emphasiz-
ing his correct view. My lord, stand
upon my rights. will conduct my own
defense"
Tho trio1 xyas thor nroceeded with